Bryan Ferry - Slave To Love (V4YS Can't Escape Edit)

No need to describe this classic 1985 mellow song from Bryan Ferry. There are a few cool edits of it out there, but I wanted something a bit more slo-mo/balearic-like, so here is my take of it.

Liquid Gold - Could Be Tonight (V4YS Play With Matches Edit)

Released in 1982 by UK band Liquid Gold, "Could Be Tonight" is one of these forgotten disco tunes that make life more funky.

Here is my regrooved version of it.

Sufjan Stevens - Should Have Known Better (V4YS Rework)

One of my favorite Indie/Folk artist, Sufjan Stevens combines musical composing genius, sounds design creativity, to lyrics writing talent.

Evoking the passing away of his mum and the associated grief, his 2015 album "Carrie & Lowell" is nothing short of a masterpiece. If the record is a true "concept album" per se, resonating even louder when listened to in its entirety, I've always been particularly moved by the track "Should Have Known Better", especially its end, where the combination of a beautiful melody, with some hopeful and soothing words edges to a moment of grace. 

Here is a little tribute to it, with a kind of slo-mo/balearish-like twist.

V4YS Mixes#38 - (nu)Disco Made Me Do It

Oldies, newbies, edits...let's dance.

94 East Feat. Prince - If You See Me (V4YS Rework)

A Minneapolis-based band formed in 1975 by Pepé Willie, 94 East band lasted only 4 years, until 1979. Enough to welcome in the meantime a 16-year-old local kid for funky electric guitar duties.

Here is my revisit of "If You See Me", a groove pearl where (very young) Prince's guitar style sounds already so funky.

The Rolling Stones - Can't You Hear Me Knocking (V4YS Rework)

A classic song from the legendary 1971 album Sticky Fingers, Cant You Hear Me Knocking embeds a classic Stones rock cut and a phenomenal Santana-like groovy instrumental jam.

Mick Taylor later explained that this second part was not planned at all. Thinking the recording session was over, he started improvising and the band followed on. The sax and congas bringing this latin/groove feel to the jam.

Here is my slo-mo rework of it.

Vibes4YourSoul Mixes#37 - A Latin Tale

Here is a sunny Latam-flavored mixtape, with a strong Brazilian accent and a few Latin Jazz moments.

Lots of classics, lots of edits, lots of joy.

Jorge Ben - Rio Babilônia (V4YS Flamengo Edit)

Released in 1983 as part of the Dádiva album, Rio Babilônia is not as famous as the Taj Mahal / Filho Maravilha / Pais Tropical song, which was the highlight of this LP. It is nevertheless a joyful love message written by Jorge Ben to his incredible hometown. 

Here is my drummed up edit of it. 

Patrick Coutin - Fais-moi Jouir (V4YS Riddim Edit)

An artist issued from the vivid 80's French alternative Rock scene, Patrick Coutin is first and foremost known to the French audience for his 1981 hit J'aime Regarder Les Filles.

Released in 1990, as a bonus track of a re-issue of his first album, Fais-moi Jouir is definitely hotter in term of lyrics, but as much fun. Its cool laid-back rythm inspired me this reggae-flavored DJ-friendly edit.




Download for free on The Artist Union: theartistunion.com/tracks/ad48b7

Leroy Hutson - Don't It Make You Feel Good (V4YS It Sure Does Edit)

A Soul, Funk & R&B singer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and arranger, Leroy Hutson is probably slighltly less well known than the Marvin, Donny or Curtis of this world. He's nonetheless a cornerstone of this legendary 70's music scene.

Here's my refreshed DJ-friendly take of one of my favorite track by him, Don't It Make You Feel Good, released in 1976 as part of the Hutson II album.

Download for free on The Artist Union: theartistunion.com/tracks/839d0f

V4YS Mixes#36 - Cali Groove Tape

A groove tape to welcome the spring, lots of classics, lots of edits/reworks, a few newbies...and a laid-back atmosphere reflecting my feeling after coming back from a few days in San Francisco.

 California dreamin' !

Rufus & Chaka Khan - Live In Me (V4YS Rework)

One of the many recordings of Chaka Khan with Chicago band Rufus, "Live In Me" is part of their 1979 album "Masterjam", produced by Quincy Jones.

Warm and groovy, this song is also a bit "cheesy" to me by moments, so here is a nudisco rework, where I kept the grooviest parts while adding some punchier beats & bassline.

Free dwlnd on The Artist Union.

Vibes4YourSoul 2016 Favorites

Welcome to Vibes4YourSoul 2016 Favorites, an incomplete revisit of the records that inspired me most this year. In this selection, you'll find a healthy dose of eclectic vibes from all over the world, edging from nu-jazz, to indie, pop, folk,  hip-hop, lo-fi & electro.

It comes with a special chill podcast focusing on the "non-dancefloor" releases mentioned, plus a few extras (tracklisting below, dwlnd link here).

I hope you'll enjoy the journey,


Jm / Vibes4YourSoul




  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ALBUMS / LPs
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Thomas Cohen - Bloom Forever

(Indie, Folk / Stolen Recordings) 

Written in the wake of a personal tragedy (the brutal passing away of his wife), Thomas Cohen debut solo album echoes the best hours of 70's melancholic rock. A flawless orchestration built around slow rhythms and spacy guitars acts as a warm frame for his deep and touching voice (which reminds me of Suede's Brett Anderson in some way). The type of fluid record that almost immediately sounds like a long-time companion.
listen



Melanie De Biasio - Blackened Cities
(NuJazz / PIAS Records) 

A fascinating one-track, 25mn-long record, built as a deep techno set, Blackened Cities is also the fusion of one of the most gifted & creative Jazz singer of her generation, into the notes of a handful of trusted talented musicians. If the words "musical journey" means something, this must be it.
listen

Frank Ocean - Blond(e)
(R&B,NuSoul / Boys Don't Cry Records) 

4 years after the beautiful Channel Orange, another home-run from the young R&B UFO Frank Ocean. A nostalgic moment tainted with lo-fi shades of folk & soul, supported by a remarkable singing achievement. 
listen

Bon Iver - 22, A Million 
(Indie, Folk / Domino Records) 

A musical rebirth following a deep depressive period for band leader Justin Vernon, 22, A Million blends the band's sublime melodic signature, to an addictive mysterious atmosphere distilled by an innovative homemade vocoder.
listen

Blood Orange - Freetown Sound
(Electro-Pop, Indie, R&B / Domino Records) 

An unclassifiable artist, London-based Dev Hynes offers another fascinating musical experiment with his third LP as Blood Orange. Melancholic pad synths & Dev's majestic voice act as a common denominator for 17 ethereal tracks smelling something like futuristic soul with an indie-flavored pop accent. As chaotic as his compositions may sometimes sound, you'll easily get carried away by the warmth of the ensemble.
listen

A Tribe Called Quest - We Got It From Here...Thank You For Your Service 
(Hip-Hop / Epic Records) 
When a record has been rumored and hoped for so long, when the band in question is nothing short of legendary, there's this lingering "will they spoil the myth?" type of fear. Well...they didn't, and the 90's Golden age of Hip-Hop got a fast forward ticket to the 21st century.
listen



Lee Fields & The Expressions - Special Night
(Soul / Big Crown Records)

Still brilliantly supported by his band The Expressions, Lee Field's voice seems immune to the passage of time. Classic soul ballads, funkier moments, he still does it all in 2016, as back in the day. A delightful old-school soul/funk journey.
listen




Whitney - Light Upon The Lake
(Folk, Indie / Secretly Canadian Records)

Unpretending soulful folk melodies, a sweet falsetto voice singing love stories, a laid-back melancholic atmosphere...US indie duo Whitney do not reinvent anything there, but their debut LP flows naturally...and it simply feels good.
listen

BadBadNotGood - IV
(Nujazz, Hip-Hop / Innovative Leisure Records) 

Pursuing their exciting journey in the worlds of NuJazz, Hip-Hop & Soul, the Canadian trio, now quartet, delivers its best record so far, retaining the fresh live-like sound from their debuts, while adding some wonderful vocal featurings & high standards studio quality to the mix.
listen

DIIV - Is The Is Are

(Indie Rock / Captured Tracks Records) 

17 tracks, 17 great shoegaze infused indie anthems. If hazy effects still surround Zacharie Cole vocals, their presence is less pronounced than on the band acclaimed debut release Oshin, a successful evolution for the Brooklyn band which confirms its talent.
listen



Ablebody - Adults Contemporary
(Indie, Pop / Lollipop Records) 

Bright, shimmering and nostalgic at the same time, Ablebody debut album is a perfect example of a "dream pop" wave that keeps getting bigger year after year. The twin brothers from LA master the art of designing crystal clear synths & guitars-led melodies, dressed-up with delicate ethereal vocals.
listen

Flamingods - Majesty
(World, Jazz, Pop / Soundway Records) 

A multicultural collective blending Arabic and UK roots, Flamingods' sound transcends genres to create an exotic melting-pot hard to describe. Entering the jungle of Majesty is plunging into a luxurious atmosphere where disorientation is the new normal.
listen




Nicolas Jaar - Sirens
(Electro, Downtempo / Other People Records)

One step further in the experimental & disorientation kind, the new LP from Nicolas Jaar is also a true concept LP. More than a collection of amazing sound textures, Sirens is an ambitious electronic symphony, where new doors open after each new listening experience.
listen

Carlos Niño & Friends- It's All Happening

(NuJazz, Downtempo / Leaving Records) 
Also very much "experimental", It's All Happening is a Yogi-style cosmic Jazz experience and a condensed version of Carlos Niño intense creativity. Think Alice Coltrane, The Doors most cuckoo-land moments. Track-by-track zapping not recommended: if you really wanna open this gate to sweet transcendental meditation, you need to immerse yourself in the whole record, it's all happening here!
listen

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 EPs / Beat Tapes (more electro-centric)

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Photay - Sadie EP
(Downtempo / Astro Nautico Records) 

A feelgood EP filled with lush sounds textures, dreamy keyboards and joyful grooves confirming the talent of this young American producer.
listen

Mocky - The Moxtape Vol. III
(Downtempo, Pop / Domino Records)

The splendid third batch of Mocky's "Moxtape" series, gathering more of his signature dreamy moments, made of sweet piano and bells-led melodies.
listen

Moscoman & Red Axes - Dikembe Manutu & Rage In The Cage EP
(House, Techno, Nudisco / ESP Records)
Israeli duo Red Axes have been resonating more and more loudly with me these last few months. Their techno sound is also delicately groovy, and fits well in my nudisco-oriented DJ sets. Among the many great releases from them this year, I picked this excellent deep slo-mo EP done with Berlin minimal producer Moscoman.
listen


Yuksek - Sweet Addiction EP
(Nudisco, Pop / Partyfine Records)

The hit single's groove is infectious, spiced up by a remarkable vocal featuring from Her. But that's not all, a slo-mo dub pearl and a downtempo version of Make It Happen,feat. Juveniles make this EP a perfect teaser for a soon-to-be released new album.
listen

Alex Gopher - Back To Basics EP
(House, Go 4 Music Records)
When I started DJing for fun, almost 20 years ago, Alex Gopher was one of my most trusted purveyors of fat French house sound. His come back hasn't made me feel any younger...but certainly almost as euphoric as back in the day, courtesy of an explosive EP that has been on heavy rotation in my sets all year-long.
listen



Voilaaa - On Te L'Avait Dit Remixes EP
(Nudisco, House / Favorite Recordings)

French producer Patchworks's Voilaaa afro disco project meets Dimitri From Paris remixing magic. Funny French lyrics, unstoppable percs, what a dancing machine!
listen

Lovebirds - The Hamburg Years Pt.2 EP
(Deep House, Nudisco / Teardrop Recordings)

German House producer Lovebids has been a core member of my house moments through his regular drop of groovy soulful mid-tempo house gems. This EP is a great example of his sound, the track National being one of my most-played track in 2016.
listen

Sirens Of Lesbos - I Got New Feelings Ep & Essays Vol#3 Ep
(House, Deep Techno / Armada Music & Exploited Records)

Will your resist the infectious slo-mo grooves from this Spanish collective oscillating between house and deeper tech-inspired beats.
listen

Alaia & GalloFeat. Kevin Hadden - Who Is He Ep
(House / Soul Heaven Records)
The timeless Bill Withers classic getting three quality house revisits courtesy of a powerful vocal performance by Kevin Hadden and producing skills of Alaia & Gallo, but also the inevitable Claptone as well as The Reflex, who definitely ranks high in my purveyors' list of amazing edits.
listen

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 EDIT of the year

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Delegation - Oh Honey (Poolside Edit) + Le Pamplemousse - Gimmie What You Got (Poolside Edit)

For the last three years, Californian DJs and producers Poolside have been my number one source of inspiration and quality as a DJ and producer. These two reworks are just another splendid example of their gift for refreshing forgotten grooves.
listen

Podcast Tracklisting:

Carlos Nino-Calimayan (feat. Nate Morgan & Yaakov Levy) / Mala-Sound Of The River (Feat. Sylvia Falcon) / Maylight - How Soon Is Now (The Smiths Cover) / Bon Iver-666? / Photay-Monday / Mocky-Exception To The Rule / Blood Orange-I Know / Frank Ocean-Pink+White (Feat. Beyoncé) / Kendrick Lamar-Untitled06 / Lee Fields & The Expressions-Special Love / Anderson Paak-Celebrate / A Tribe Called Quest-Whateva Will Be / BADBADNOTGOD-Times Moves Slow (feat. Sam Herring) / Whitney-No Woman / The Tibbs-The Story Goes / Thomas Cohen-Bloom Forever / Cass McCombs-Opposite House / Ablebody-Backseat Heart / DIIV-Bent (Roi's Song) / Melanie De Biasio-Blackened Cities / Flamingods-Majestic Fruit

Bob McGilpin x Get A Room! - Sexy Thing (V4YS I Say Rework)

This one is a nod to the craziest sounds diggers I know, Jeff & Aurel, aka French duo Get A Room!
A while ago, they resurrected Sexy Thing, a 1978 gem from Bob McGilpin, editing it for one of their highly recommended Dig Out Your Own Spade compilations.

Here is my House/Nudisco take. 

Download link on The Artist Union

Lee Fields & The Expressions - Special Night (Big Crown Records)

Among the many "back to the future" Soul/Funk artists that tried to bring back some 60's/70's magic to the 21st century, Lee Fields is certainly one of the most successful example.

His 2009 come-back LP My World is already a classic, that would fool many during blind tests aiming at identifying release years. If his productions since then were less memorable, his new album, Special Night,released this week on Big Crown Records gets close to reaching My World heights.

Still brillantly supported by The Expressions, Lee's singing seems immune to the passage of time. Classic soul ballads, funkier moments, he does it all in 2016, as back in the day. A delightful old-school journey.